Plant problem checker

You choose the plant and what you're seeing, then answer a few questions about the potting mix, light, recent changes, pests and roots. Each answer is matched against a fixed set of rules written from extension and horticultural sources, so the same answers always give the same result.

• Likely causes fit your answers best; possible causes are worth ruling out.
• If answers don't fit together, or you're not sure which plant it is, every cause is shown as possible.
• Every cause lists the sources it comes from.

It can't diagnose your plant: several problems look alike, and it can't see the plant. It never recommends a pesticide or a dose. If most roots are soft and dark, or the plant keeps getting worse after you've corrected watering and light, contact your local Cooperative Extension office.